The idea behind 'Voices on the Railings' is to provide an open, impartial forum for discussion, and to foster public awareness of the international situation.

One person's message

By tying messages onto the railings, people can express their thoughts and concerns about the Iraq crisis.

There has been a fantastic response so far. On the first day over 100 messages were written by members of the public and there are now over 500 messages covering four sections of the railings of Great St Mary's.

City councillors have written labels, and Anne Campbell, MP for Cambridge, has given permission for her resignation statement to be added to the railings. Others simply stop and read, take photos, or discuss their views with passers-by.

'Voices on the Railings' is neither specifically pro- or anti-war, it simply provides an open forum for people to express their concerns about the international situation.

Rosie Vaughan

Organiser Rosie Vaughan said "'Voices on the Railings' is giving people the chance to express their views on Iraq in a lively and unusual way. The display is colourful and eye-catching, with hundreds of labels fluttering in the breeze. Many thought provoking messages have been posted - the idea has clearly caught people's imagination!"

Leaving messages on the railings

Rosie also emphasizes the fact that "'Voices on the Railings' is neither specifically pro- or anti-war, it simply provides an open forum for people to express their concerns about the international situation. A wide spectrum of views are displayed on the labels, both for and against war; however the majority of messages express a desire for a peaceful solution. It gives a voice to people who feel their views are not being represented at higher levels."

In spite of Rosie's assurances, someone chose to pull down around 100 of the messages over the weekend of 22nd and 23rd March. "We're not sure if this was a random drunken act, or done on purpose by someone who misread it as a specifically anti-war protest, or sees it as being disloyal to the troops (though many labels indicate respect and support for them)," says Rosie, adding: "On the whole people have been very respectful of each other's views."

'Voices on the Railings' is taking place on Great St Mary's Railings, on Kings Parade, from 8th March until 8th April. The idea was inspired by the website www.ontherailings.org.uk and is currently taking place in several towns and cities across the UK.

How do you feel about the possible war with Iraq? This is your chance to have your say and respond to others: